Best Biscotti with Anise Recipe for Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Snacking

Anna

Sharing stories, traditions, and flavors

There’s something truly enchanting about the crisp snap of biscotti, especially when infused with the subtle, licorice-like warmth of anise. I discovered this delightful treat while hunting for a new twist on classic Italian cookies, and now, it’s become my go-to when I crave a homemade snack that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. What I love most is how easy it is to make yet feels so special—whether you’re entertaining guests, gifting a batch, or simply indulging yourself after a busy day. Dive into this recipe for Biscotti with Anise, and treat yourself to that perfect balance of crunchy texture and aromatic flavor that makes every bite memorable.

Why choose Biscotti with Anise?

Crunchy Delight: Every bite offers that signature crisp snap that biscotti lovers adore. Distinctive Flavor: The gentle anise adds a subtle, aromatic twist that elevates the classic cookie experience. Effortless Preparation: Simple steps make this recipe perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Perfect Pairing: Ideal alongside coffee or tea, enhancing any snack moment. Versatile Treat: Great for gifting, entertaining, or satisfying your own homemade food cravings.

Biscotti with Anise Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – Use fresh flour for the best texture in your Biscotti with Anise.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect crunchy bite.
Baking powder – A small amount to give just enough lift without losing crispness.
Salt – Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and anise aroma.
Whole eggs – Bind the dough while adding richness and moisture.
Anise seeds – The star ingredient, infusing a warm, licorice-like note throughout.
Unsalted butter – Softened for a tender crumb and richer taste.

For Finishing

Egg wash – Gives biscotti a golden, irresistible sheen before baking.
Sliced almonds (optional) – Toasted for extra crunch and nutty flavor contrast.

How to Make Biscotti with Anise

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking for flawless biscotti texture.
Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl until evenly combined, creating a smooth dry mix free of lumps for perfect dough consistency.
Beat the whole eggs lightly until frothy, then stir in softened unsalted butter and anise seeds, ensuring a fragrant, velvety mixture that foreshadows your crunchy biscotti.
Fold the dry mix into the egg-butter-anise blend with a wooden spoon, combining until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms, studded with aromatic anise seeds throughout.
Shape the dough into two 12-inch logs about 2 inches wide, smoothing tops with wet hands, and transfer onto the prepared sheet for uniform baking at 350°F.

For Finishing:

Brush the logs with egg wash, then generously sprinkle sliced almonds over the tops, pressing lightly so they adhere before baking into golden, nut-studded biscotti.
First Bake the logs at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until deep golden brown and fragrant, rotating the pan halfway for even color and crisp edges.
Cool the logs on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, allowing them to set and become firm enough for slicing without crumbling.
Slice each log diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick pieces using a sharp serrated knife, ensuring clean cuts for even, crunchy biscotti shapes.
Second Bake the slices cut side down at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes, then flip and bake another 10–12 minutes until crisp and golden.

Optional: Dip cooled biscotti ends in melted dark chocolate for extra indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Biscotti with Anise are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the dry ingredients and storing them in an airtight container. For best results, shape the dough into logs and wrap them in foil or plastic wrap, refrigerating until ready to bake. When you’re ready to enjoy your biscotti, simply bake them according to the instructions, adding an egg wash and topping with sliced almonds for that delightful crunch. This does wonders for flavor while saving you time on busy weeknights, ensuring your biscotti come out just as delicious!

How to Store and Freeze Biscotti with Anise

Room Temperature: Store your biscotti in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. This keeps them crunchy while preventing them from absorbing moisture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, keep biscotti in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks. Make sure they’re well-wrapped to maintain texture.

Freezer: Freeze biscotti with anise by placing them in a freezer bag or airtight container, where they can last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: If you prefer a fresher crunch, reheat thawed biscotti in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes. This restores their delightful crispiness.

Tips for the Best Biscotti with Anise

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh flour and anise seeds make all the difference for a vibrant, aromatic biscotti with anise that truly shines.
Don’t Overmix Dough: Stir until just combined to keep biscotti tender inside yet crunchy outside—overmixing makes it tough.
Shape Logs Evenly: Uniform thickness ensures consistent baking and that perfect crunch throughout each biscotti piece.
Slice When Slightly Warm: Cutting biscotti after cooling 10 minutes prevents crumbling and creates clean, even slices.
Double Bake Carefully: Watch the second bake closely; underbaking softens texture, while overbaking risks burning the anise flavor.

Biscotti with Anise Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor this biscotti recipe to your taste preferences with these fun twists!

Nutty Crunch: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch and rich flavor contrast.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange to the mixture for a refreshing touch that brightens the anise notes beautifully.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this biscotti accessible for gluten-sensitive friends.
Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup for a less sweet version that highlights the anise more prominently, perfect for tea lovers.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an inviting warmth that’s a delightful surprise in every bite.
Choco-Anise Delight: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, which creates a luscious contrast with the anise, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Herbal Infusion: Swap anise seeds with fennel seeds for a unique twist, capturing a slightly sweeter, floral essence in your biscotti.
Fruit Fusion: Fold in 1/3 cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a pop of color and tartness that pairs wonderfully with the anise flavor.

Each variation invites you to explore new flavor dimensions, making your biscotti experience even more enjoyable!

What to Serve with Biscotti with Anise?

Savoring biscotti alongside your favorite beverages elevates the experience beyond a mere snack into a cozy ritual.

Rich Cappuccino: The creamy foam complements the crisp texture of biscotti, creating a comforting pairing that warms the soul.
Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai play beautifully with the anise, providing a flavorful dance of warmth and nostalgia.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety ice cream contrasts the biscotti’s crunch, making for a delightful dessert that feels indulgent.
Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like Brie or mascarpone to balance the sweetness, enhancing your tasting journey with contrasting flavors.
Fruit Compote: A spoonful of tart berry or citrus compote brings brightness, cutting through the biscuit’s richness, making each bite refreshingly vibrant.
Sliced Almonds: Enjoying extra toasted almonds on the side brings an additional satisfying crunch, enriching the snack experience with nutty notes.

With these inviting pairings, every bite of biscotti transforms into a moment of pure delight.

Biscotti with Anise Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my anise seeds are fresh and good to use?
Look for seeds that are plump, greenish-brown, and fragrant with a sweet, licorice aroma. Avoid seeds that are dull, shriveled, or have dark spots all over—they might be stale and lose their flavor punch.

What’s the best way to store biscotti with anise to keep them crisp?
Absolutely! Store your biscotti in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture and sunlight, for up to 2 weeks. If you want them to last longer, use the fridge wrapped tightly, which can keep them fresh for up to 4 weeks without losing crunch.

Can I freeze biscotti with anise, and if so, how should I do it?
Yes, freezing is a great option! First, cool the biscotti completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They’ll keep delicious for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and crisp up in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

My biscotti turned out too hard or burnt—what went wrong?
This happens if the biscotti spends too long in the oven or the temperature is too high. For that perfect crunchy yet not rock-hard texture, follow the baking times closely, especially the second bake. Also, make sure to slice evenly and flip the biscotti halfway through the second bake for even golden crispness.

Are biscotti with anise safe for pets or people with allergies?
Anise itself is generally safe but can cause allergies in sensitive individuals and pets, especially birds and small animals, so keep these cookies away from them. If you’re sensitive to nuts, omit almonds or substitute with seeds like pumpkin for allergy-friendly crunch. Always check with a healthcare provider for personal allergies.